Counselling Initiatives

The emotional toll of prolonged ill health

In the course of our work we often deal with patients who are seriously ill or suffering from terminal illness: for example, we regularly take provisions (toiletries, fruits, and clothes - collected from school children) for the AIDS patients of Tambaram’s TB hospital. Our visits have shown us that their overriding challenge is to deal with the emotional toll of prolonged ill health.

We listen to patients’ stories

To provide an outlet for their emotions, our volunteers spend time listening to their stories and understanding the problems they face. Often, just the act of listening shows the patients that there are people who care for them, and helps lift their spirits.

We make referrals based on individual needs

Our talks with patients also allow us to learn of more specific needs they might have. We can then use our network of volunteers to find solutions; for example, if more professional counselling is required, we can locate a trained psychologist to help. 

We support their children’s education

Where necessary, we help children of the patients with their education, paying their fees, and supplying them with the uniforms and equipment they need.

We organize song-and-dance programmes to lift their spirits

As an extension of our ‘Healing through Entertainment’ programme, we regularly organize music and dance programmes for the patients. They thoroughly enjoy themselves and often dance with the troupe on stage.